How do I resolve communication errors transmitting fly files and VRS files on my 3X?

[Evan Schellenberg]

Since the 3X contains 3 separate autopilot boards that are in communication with each other they must all be configured properly in order for that to work.

Ensure they all have the same firmware by looking at the "BuildNum" value in the startup report.

To enable inter-board communication the field 692[redundencySettings] must be set to 1. This field is not set to 1 by default and can be reset to 0 if you send a VRS file (such as default.vrs) that does not have it set to 1.

This field is found in the "Use 3x" checkbox in the Other tab of the VRS Editor.

But, if this field is not set you will have trouble sending a VRS file to set it to the properly value.

To be able to set it, use the APCOM1/2/3 ports individually to change it on each board through a serial terminal program (such as TeraTerm, Putty, or Hyperterminal).

Turn on the autopilot and after POST completes, type (without commas):
QQQQ, P, 692 <enter>, 1 <enter>, w.

This will set:
692=1 (enable 3X mode)
W = Write changes to flash (saves settings)

Repeat this for APCOM1, APCOM2, and APCOM3 ports to make sure 3x mode is enabled on all 3 boards.
You should also verify that the baud rate and CRC settings are the same on all boards as well with fields 192 and 581.

Once 3x mode is enabled on all boards, power cycle the 3X and you should be able to use RADA to communicate to all 3 boards and send VRS/FLY files.